Together Everyone Achieves More

As you all know by now, I am taking part in the keep Britain breast feeding scavenger hunt and it's that time of the week when I post my experiences about feeding to hopefully help you along the way with your own personal breast feeding journey.

This week's topic is 'support'. Having a support network really is a god send. Friends, family, your partner, health visitors and support groups can all play a vital role in making feeding your baby that much easier.

Now all of the above are important, one thing missing from that list is the support of a good bra! Getting this small (...but not in size) piece of equipment right is a must for any mum planning or currently breastfeeding. Too tight and it can block your milk ducts leading to the dreaded mastitis and if it's too loose you will look like you are carrying round a bag of spuds.

It's recommended to get your bra around two weeks before your due date. But don't be afraid to go back and get measured once your milk comes in. Your boobs are amazing but they aren't crystal balls that can see in to the future! You may find, like me, that you have an abundance of milk (yes, when they have been engorged I could make Jordan jealous) and need a bigger size than expected. You may also want to consider a bigger size for night time as that was when my boobs would get massive and the bra would just not fit.

Basically, if it doesn't feel right it probably isn't! Go and get re-measured and try and go when your breasts are full as that will affect the size you are given.

Although partners can't physically breast feed for you, they can still provide essential support. Keeping you company during the night feeds in the early days, fetching you drinks and food when you are feeding, scratching that itch you just can't reach can all help. What's more, and this doesn't even require moving, is to tell you what a fantastic job you are doing, yes guys it really is that easy to please us ladies.

Also, take advantage and let them help in other ways. They may not be able to whip out a moob and take over, but they do have two hands that are capable of changing nappies and outfits.

Also find and GO to your local breastfeeding support group, treat it as your sanctuary and find comfort in that fact that everyone is in it together. Whether you meet new mums or old hands at breastfeeding most people would have been through some form of feeding problem so don't be afraid to ask for help.

These groups give you the chance to get tips on all kinds of issues such as position, feeding frequencies, pain, night feeding, duration, weight gain and many more.

I personally find my group a lot more helpful than talking to my health visitor. Being with people who are feeding or who have fed really is invaluable.

Just remember that if you choose to breastfeed you don't have to do it alone. Think TEAM - Together Everyone Achieves More.

For one of my lucky readers who leaves a comment on this post, you will be entered into a draw to win a product of your choice from the fab Lactivist website. www.lactivist.co.uk

Also check out what other mummies are saying about support by clicking on the following links:

http://www.circusqueen.co.uk

http://www.anewaddition.co.uk

http://www.breast4babies.blogspot.co.uk

http://www.snugglebundl.co.uk

http://www.naturalnursery.co.uk

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